Phrasal verb
check off
Definition
phrasal verb. to mark an item on a list to show that you have finished it or dealt with it.
phrasal verb. to mark items on a list with a tick or similar notation to indicate completion or verification; often used in the context of administrative tasks or inventory.
Examples
“I check off each task as I finish it.”
“Before leaving for the airport, she checked off every item on her packing list to ensure nothing was forgotten.”
“The supervisor meticulously checked off the names on the manifest to confirm that all passengers had safely boarded the vessel.”
Examples
simple
“I check off each task as I finish it.”
contextual
“Before leaving for the airport, she checked off every item on her packing list to ensure nothing was forgotten.”
complex
“The supervisor meticulously checked off the names on the manifest to confirm that all passengers had safely boarded the vessel.”
Usage
commonly used with lists, tasks, or names; the object can go between 'check' and 'off'.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'tick off' (more common in British English) and 'cross off' (which implies drawing a line through the item rather than just marking it as done).
Pitfall
I checked off of the items.
I checked off the items.
the preposition 'of' is unnecessary after the particle 'off'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
check + (object) + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/check-off